Ahmedabad: The city felt the full weight of the summer sun on Friday as the mercury climbed to 42.1°C, marking one of the hottest days this month. The maximum and minimum temperatures pushed 1.9 degrees above the seasonal average, leaving residents without even a nighttime reprieve as the minimum temperature hovered stubbornly at a warm 27°C.By mid-afternoon, traffic thinned out on the city’s usually bustling roads. Residents retreated indoors, while those forced to venture out tried to beat the heat by covering their heads and guzzling water and other fluids.There is little comfort in the coming days. The India meteorological department (IMD) predicts Saturday will maintain the 42°C mark, while a municipal advisory warns of an even harsher spike. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) anticipates the heat could peak at 43°C on Sunday and Monday before seeing a marginal dip.A localized analysis of air temperatures reveals a city divided by heat intensity. The southern parts of the city including Lambha, Vatva, and Isanpur, bore the brunt of the scorching air, alongside pockets in Vastral, Ramol, Hathijan, Chandkheda, Ranip, Sardarnagar, Naroda, and Chandlodia, among others.The state-wide outlook is equally grim. Inland Gujarat is expected to simmer between 41°C and 43°C over the next three days as temperatures climb another 2 to 3 degrees, before falling by 2 to 3 degrees. “Maximum temperatures in isolated pockets of coastal areas are likely to be in the range of 35°C to 40°C, read IMD forecast. Three cities and towns recorded maximum temperature 43°C and above. On Friday, Amreli emerged as the hottest spot in the state at 43.3°C, closely followed by Rajkot at 43.1°C and Surendranagar at 43°C. Ahmedabad recorded 42.1°C, followed by Kandla and Keshod at 42°C. Several other cities recorded maximum temperatures above 40°C.
